1.5 The Theory of Plate Tectionics

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Vocabulary:

Plates- the separate sections that the lithosphere is broken into
Scientific Theory- a hypothesis that explains a wide range of observation
Plate Tectonics- the geological theory that states that pieces of Earth's lithosphere are in consant, slow motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle
Faults- breaks in Earth's crust where rocks have slipped past each other; they form along boundaries
Transorm Boundary- a place where two plates slip past each other in opposite directions
Divergent Boundary- where two plates pull apart or diverge
Rift Valley- a deep valley that forms along a divergent boundary
Convergent Boundary- where two plates come together or converge

Outline

  • The Theory of Plate Motion----

    • The theory of plate tectonics explains the formation, movement, and subduction of the Earth's plates
  • Plate boundaries----

    • There are three plate boundaries:transform,convergent, and divergent
  • Transform Boundary----

    • this is where two plates slip past each other in opposite directions
  • Divergent Boundaries----

    • This is where two plates pull apart from each other, making a rift valley
  • Convergent Boundary----

    • this is where two plates push against each other, making mountains
  • The Continents' Slow Dance----